Explore and learn on the coast this January

VICTORIAN of all ages can explore and learn about the amazing coastal and marine environments where they live or holiday through Coastcare Victoria’s Summer by the Sea program.

The annual summer holiday education program is being delivered at various locations along Victoria’s coast, including the Surf Coast and the Bellarine, from January 6-25, 2024.

The theme for the 2024 program will be “You, Me and Summer By The Sea”.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Coastcare Victoria, and the theme is designed to engender community networking, place-based engagement, and personal story sharing.

Coastcare Victoria says it is a time to celebrate as well as reflect on years of coastal and marine education and conservation.

Bookings for this summer’s program opened at the start of this month.

More than 60 free activities are being delivered this January, including:

• Snorkelling on the Bellarine Peninsula and Anglesea
• Rockpool rambles in Aireys Inlet
• Canoeing in Point Lonsdale
• Beach discovery in Queenscliff
• Shell surveys at St Kilda
• Guided walks at Lakes Entrance, and
• Exploring the Glenelg Estuary.

All activities are free, but bookings are required to reserve your space.

The program combines fun and education through a range of activities for people of all ages to learn about our coastal and marine environments, and how to help protect them for future generations.

“Summer by the Sea is a fantastic opportunity for people to explore and appreciate Victoria’s remarkable coastline and learn about some of the challenges facing our coastal areas,” Coastcare Victoria co-ordinator Laura Town-Hopkinson said.

“This free program has something for everyone, including guided walks, rockpool rambles, snorkelling, bug blitzes and wildlife talks.”

“Summer by the Sea attracts thousands of people every year with events spanning Victoria’s coastline, and we’re expecting the 2024 program to be hugely popular.”

The 2024 Summer by the Sea Program is funded by the $13.7 million VicCoasts initiative.

For more information or to book activities, head to summerbythesea.vic.gov.au